Nisei Week Parade

"Nisei" are the first generation of a Japanese family to be born outside of Japan. It's a unique title that helps to instill cultural pride in a generation that typically wants to assimilate and distance itself from the homeland as soon as possible. The first Nisei Week in Los Angeles happened 80 years ago, and it has carried on intermittently ever since. The events typically show a flair for entertainment, and in that tradition, this year's celebration will goof around in funny ways (a Rubik's cube competition, a gyoza eating contest). But the highlight might be Sunday's afternoon parade through Little Tokyo. The parade promises some poor Angeleno sweating it out in a Hello Kitty costume and measured waving from the newly crowned queen of Nisei Week. Banzai! Parade starts at Second Street and Central Avenue, Little Tokyo; Sun., Aug. 10, 4 p.m.; free. (213) 687-7193, niseiweek.org. Sun., Aug. 10, 4 p.m., 2014 (Expired: 08/10/14)